SUDBURY – The threat of torrential downpours failed to curb the enthusiasm of the more than 200 runners who celebrated America’s birthday by jogging around Featherland Park during the 50th anniversary of Sudbury’s Fourth of July Road Race.

While many of the region's towns cancelled parades and events due to the ominous forecast, Sudbury’s road race went on as planned, amid a few brief rain showers that brought smiles to many overheated runners’ faces.

"We’re ready to get wet," Sudbury’s Chris Boyd said with a laugh.

The town’s Parks and Recreation Department initially organized the July Fourth Road Race 50 years ago as a way to celebrate America and patriotism. Several years ago, Bob Hall and Graham Taylor took over the race, which has become a July Fourth tradition and a reunion for many Sudbury families.

"It’s really become more of a tradition for us," said Cindy Simon, who has run the past 10 years. "It’s the place to see and be seen."

Running the July Fourth Road Race for the first time, Boyd said he wanted to be a part of one of the town's most well-known traditions.

"It’s the 50th running so that’s kind of cool," said Boyd, who ran with his wife Jody. "It’s nice to celebrate."

Natick’s Doran Abel and his family also toed the starting line at Featherland Park for the first time Friday. An avid biker and runner, Abel said he and his family have been searching for an athletic tradition to take up on the Fourth of July and chose Sudbury’s road race.

"It’s a family kind of thing," he said. "A road race is a great tradition for the Fourth of July."

Donning a red, white and blue hat, Sean McCormick and his wife Anne, who was clad in an American flag T-shirt, also ran for the first time this year to showcase their American pride.

"We want to show our spirit when we can," said Anne McCormick.

Despite worries about poor weather, more than 170 runners pre-registered for the race and many were unfazed by the potential for heavy rains.

"We’re hardcore," said Simon, who planned to run the 3.75-mile route even in bad weather.

Hall said he was proud of the more than 200 runners who hit the pavement Friday and expects the July Fourth Road Race will continue to showcase Sudbury's patriotism and love of running.

"It speaks well for running in the town," said Hall. "We have a lot of dedicated runners. It’s what we’ve always done on the Fourth."

Jeff Malachowski can be reached at 508-490-7466 or jmalachowski@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JmalachowskiMW.